Aspirin/dipyridamole (By mouth)

Introduction:

Aspirin (AS-pir-in), Dipyridamole (dye-pir-ID-a-mole)

Used to prevent strokes in patients with blood flow disorders or a history of blood clots.

Brand Name(s):

Aggrenox

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, dipyridamole, or to pain and arthritis medicine (such as Motrin®, Advil®, Naprosyn®). Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers with fever, chickenpox, or symptoms of the flu or viral infection, because aspirin can cause a serious disease called Reye's syndrome. You should not use this medicine if you have an active stomach ulcer or any kind of bleeding problem.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Long Acting Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often.
  • Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, break, or chew.

If a dose is missed:

  • Use the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
  • Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Aspirin can cause stomach bleeding. Drinking alcohol can make this worse. If you have 3 or more drinks of alcohol every day, ask your doctor if you should use this medicine. One drink of alcohol is the same as 4 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1 ounce of hard liquor (gin, whiskey, and others).
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin or dipyridamole (Persantine®) (not in combination), ticlopidine (Ticlid®), blood thinners (such as Coumadin®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as Motrin®, Advil®, or Naprosyn®).
  • This medicine can interfere with the action of many other medicines. Make sure your doctor has a list of all other medicines you use.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Check with your doctor before using this medicine if you have bleeding disorders, vitamin K deficiency, liver disease, or if you have ever had a stomach ulcer.
  • Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you have asthma, chest pain, heart disease, low blood pressure, or kidney disease.
  • Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • This medicine may cause incorrect results with some urine sugar tests.
  • Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to decrease dizziness.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Blood in stools or urine
  • Chest pain
  • Severe headache
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Skin rash, severe itching or hives
  • Swelling of the face or eyelids
  • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache
  • Easy bruising, nosebleeds
  • Flushing (redness) in the face
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
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